The five-strong shortlist comprises Avanti Architects, John McAslan and Partners, LDN Architects LLP, Page\Park Architects and Purcell.

“All of the shortlisted practices have a strong record in undertaking major restoration and work in historic buildings together with an impressive commitment to the use of new technology and the finest craftsmanship,” said Liz Davidson, Mackintosh restoration project director at The Glasgow School of Art.

“They each bring the level of experience and expertise that is vital to the restoration of Mackintosh’s masterpiece. We are now looking forward to hearing more about their proposed approaches.”

London-based Avanti Architects’ past portfolio of heritage building work includes the project to bring back into use Alfred Waterhouse’s 1887 Victoria Building at Liverpool University and the restoration of the iconic Art Deco Midland Hotel in Morecambe. The practice is currently working with international arts practice NVA on its St Peter’s Seminary, Cardross project.

In 2007 Edinburgh, London and Manchester-based John McAslan + Partners undertook the restoration of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s re-design of 78 Derngate in Northampton. The practice also led the restoration of Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff’s Grade I listed De La Warr Pavilion and of the iconic Marché en Fer in Haiti. One of the McAslan’s most recent projects is the development of London’s King’s Cross Station.

Edinburgh and Forres-based LDN Architects LLP have undertaken a range of heritage projects, particularly in Scotland. These include Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House, Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion and the A Listed Fort Augustus Abbey on Loch Ness.

Among the projects in Glasgow-based Page \ Park ‘s historic buildings portfolio are the redevelopment of Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Art, the recent refurbishment of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the conversion of Mackintosh’s Herald Building into The Lighthouse architecture and design centre. The practice has recently completed the extension to Glasgow’s historic Theatre Royal.

UK and Hong Kong-based Purcell’s historic building projects have ranged from the redevelopment of Hong Kong’s 1841 Central Police Station to work at Kew Palace, Knowle House, The School of Arts in Chatham and the National Mining Museum in Scotland.

The five practices have now been invited to present more detailed proposals on their approach to the restoration of the A Listed Mackintosh Building as a fully functioning architecture, art and design school. The presentations will take place in mid March 2015 with the appointment made later in the month.